Marrying my GF who has a tourist visa. Help

[nyc2012 0]

I'm a 20 year old college student, and a US citizen who is madly in love with a girl in Russia. Her tourist visa expires in May. but she might come to the US once more before then. Right now I'm not financially capable of settling down, however, a year from now I should be. I know it will be a long process for her to gain citizenship which is why I was wondering whether or not it would be wise for us to get married on her next visit here-- this way, we can begin the process sooner and hopefully everything will be done by the time I get out of school. Also, while this process is going on she will be living in Russia. Is that okay? or does she need remain in the US? Will getting married now complicate the process for us? or make it less of a problem? If anyone can offer any suggestions it would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

Edited February 10, 2011 by nyc2012

[pushbrk 13,247]

I'm a 20 year old college student, and a US citizen who is madly in love with a girl in Russia. Her tourist visa expires in May. but she might come to the US once more before then. Right now I'm not financially capable of settling down, however, a year from now I should be. I know it will be a long process for her to gain citizenship which is why I was wondering whether or not it would be wise for us to get married on her next visit here-- this way, we can begin the process sooner and hopefully everything will be done by the time I get out of school. Also, while this process is going on she will be living in Russia. Is that okay? or does she need remain in the US? Will getting married now complicate the process for us? or make it less of a problem? If anyone can offer any suggestions it would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

Sure, if she comes here again and you marry, you can file the I-130 petition to start the spouse visa process. She must not overstay her allowed time to visit, and must return to Russia where the will interview for the visa.

Click on the word Guides at the top of any page here and learn the process.

[CourtAndGrey 0]

Sure, if she comes here again and you marry, you can file the I-130 petition to start the spouse visa process. She must not overstay her allowed time to visit, and must return to Russia where the will interview for the visa.

Click on the word Guides at the top of any page here and learn the process.

Yup!

Also, it will be important to establish that she did not enter the U.S. on a TOURIST VISA with the intent to marry. If she travels here, with 20 pieces of luggage and they suspect she will be using her Tourist Visa to enter the country, then get married, and stay here forever, she may not be allowed entry. She should plan to come here, solely to visit, then while she's here, you guys can truly evaluate options, and if your love (and your life situations) determine that marriage is the best way to go, you can sure go for it.

Read around on the forums here to get a better sense of others who have experienced similar situations.

It's sure possible, but be aware of how it will look later down the road when you have to explain in an interview why she used one type of visa for something else. Good luck to you guys!

[Messybrownhair 251]

Yup I think your best bet is the CR-1 route.

When she comes to the US, get married, she goes back home, you file for the spousal visa, and it should take more or less a year for everything to finish, it will be perfect timing for you guys

At the same time, it is cheaper and when she comes to the US she will get her GC right away.

However, if for any reason she cannot come visit you again in the US or you cannot go see her, then you can take the fiance visa (k1) route which should more or less have the same timeframe, but will cost more.

The choice is yours, study them well and make an informed decision

Goodluck to you both!

[pushbrk 13,247]

Yup!

Also, it will be important to establish that she did not enter the U.S. on a TOURIST VISA with the intent to marry. If she travels here, with 20 pieces of luggage and they suspect she will be using her Tourist Visa to enter the country, then get married, and stay here forever, she may not be allowed entry. She should plan to come here, solely to visit, then while she's here, you guys can truly evaluate options, and if your love (and your life situations) determine that marriage is the best way to go, you can sure go for it.

Read around on the forums here to get a better sense of others who have experienced similar situations.

It's sure possible, but be aware of how it will look later down the road when you have to explain in an interview why she used one type of visa for something else. Good luck to you guys!

It sounds like you probably understand this but coming here on a tourist visa to get married is perfectly fine. It's coming here to get married AND stay that's visa fraud. That said, she would be wise to pack for the visit, not for a move and also to give a truthful generic reason for the visit that does not include a "wedding" in the itinerary. As long as she doesn't overstay, anything not "illegal" is perfectly OK to have on her agenda.

[belinda63 3,052]

Given what you say the CR-1 is the way to go. Have her come over, marry, maybe a short honeymoon, then return to her home. You can start the process while she is here but she should not overstay her visa. About a year from now when your situation is more settled (out of school and working hopefully) she will have her visa and be ready to join you to share the remainder of your lives together.

Read the guides up top paying special attention to the requirements for the I-864, financial support document, and start preparing. Keep in mind, since you mentioned citizenship, she will not be eligible to apply for US citizenship based upon marriage to a US citizen until three years after she receives her green card.